Matt Araiza, formerly a sixth round special teams draft pick, was embroiled in controversy shortly after being selected by the Buffalo Bills concerning alleged rape of a student at San Diego State University.
Araiza was promptly cut by the Bills, although it came out shortly afterwards that the punter himself would not be charged in the lawsuit concerning the alleged heinous act.
Now, in another twist of events, it seems like the entire lawsuit against Araiza has now been dismissed – even though possible future charges against other defendants remain.
Breaking: A woman who once alleged being sexually assaulted by Matt Araiza has withdrawn her civil suit against the former Bills punter. Araiza, who was previously cleared by prosecutors, is making no payments or admitting guilt. https://t.co/j3i6mH6Z5Q
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 12, 2023
What Happened With Matt Araiza?
ESPN reports statements from Araiza’s lawyer as such:
“Thankfully, there was extensive evidence that was key to securing Matt’s voluntary dismissal from this lawsuit,” the statement said. “Matt was and has always been innocent. The case is over, and Matt has prevailed.”
They also claimed that Araiza is planning on returning to the NFL and wants to continue his pursuit of a career in pro football.
However, whilst stuff like this is sadly shrugged off in certain circumstances – see Deshaun Watson, punters – however talented, are not given a free pass. Although it must be said that these situations are not parallel to one another – Araiza did not have over two dozen women testafying against him. Even so, the things that the SDSU alum had been accused of are truly horrific – viewer discretion is advised. ESPN recounts in the same piece:
The lawsuit stated that Araiza, who was 21 at the time, led Doe to the side of the house and told her to perform oral sex on him before they had sexual intercourse. According to the lawsuit, Araiza then took her inside the home, where at least three other men were located, and then she was repeatedly raped for about 1½ hours.
The girl reported the alleged rape the following day to the San Diego Police Department, which investigated the allegations for nine months before turning over its investigation to prosecutors Aug. 5, 2022.
Whether he will play again is yet to be seen – earlier this offseason it seemed like one team was already interested in the punter – although nowadays it is hard enough to be signed from a workout for any special teamer – let alone one with major baggage.
The lawsuit continues on for the other defendants, where the further updates will undoubtedly be in the public eye.